KEY POINTS:
The dollar firmed yesterday in quiet trading, influenced by Independence Day overnight in the US.
Dealers said the kiwi traded in a tight US78.12/25c range, but below a 22-year high of US78.40c on Tuesday night. It closed at US78.22c, up from US78.12c yesterday.
ANZ currency dealer Murray Hindley expected the New Zealand currency to remain supported above US78c overnight, partly thanks to strong trade data out of Australia.
But he did not feel it would necessarily top Tuesday night's heady heights.
"With the US out for July 4 celebrations, I would expect trading to be subdued tonight ... We're very light on data this week - we're pretty much in the hands of the external marketplace."
Against the yen, the kiwi was still attracting buyers, hovering around 95.77, below a two-decade spike of 95.99 on Tuesday night.
It also firmed slightly against the aussie at A91.24c, the euro at €57.45c and the pound at 38.77p.
The Australian dollar rose to US85.75c (US85.63c) as investors weighed the chance of an interest rate rise next month, even though the central bank kept interest rates steady at 6.25 per cent yesterday.
The US dollar held a near 26-year low against the pound with the Bank of England tipped to raise rates.
- REUTERS
